The Night Before

Chapter 13.

The small stage was set. I walked on and felt my nerves calm down as soon as the lights dimmed. Different crowd. Different venue. I was used to seeing my usuals. No Emily. No familiar faces. Just me and my guitar. The audience both young and old, watched on as I spoke into the small mic.

"I um...I'm Sadie. I'm from Los Angeles and I'm a new resident here in lovely England. Don't break my head if I'm shit. Just a little yank in a sea of heavy accented Brits." I laughed awkwardly. People chuckled and seemed to warm up to me.

"First song is one I used to sing back in my old club. So, here's a little offering from me to you."

I tuned my guitar and cleared my throat, humming softly to myself before finally playing.

..

I still yet to tell Paul about the babies. It was odd even saying that. Babies. Before I could even get to telling him earlier this evening, he hurriedly got dressed and left for a going away dinner for George Harrison. He promised me that I would get to meet the “quiet beatle”. Only until he came back from India. I was a little disappointed to be honest. Its not like I was really here to become friends with these musicians, but hey, a girl can dream.

As I finished my full hour of songs, I was surprised when more than half of the people in the room stood up and clapped for me. I never got this kind reaction back home. I couldn’t help but to feel flattered at the kind gesture. Theres one person I was hoping I’d see here. But he was probably already at home with his wife and child.

“Thank you all. I’m looking forward to seeing you in a few more days.” I smiled before walking off stage. Michael was still clapping when I met him at the bar. He handed me a cup and I was surprised to see it was tea.

“Michael how….”

“Your little friend told me.” He smiled. I blushed and took a drink.

“Believe me, theres nothing little about him.” I giggled. He nudged me, laughing along.

“That was a great turn out Sadie. First timers usually get fuckin booed and get the piss taken out of them. I dunno, maybe its because youre an American.”

“And a girl?” I teased. He smiled and nodded.

“Maybe.”

I sat on a stool and sighed. “Thank you for this. Some nostalgia is really what I needed. Being so far away from home I….I miss it all. This place brings comfort back into my life.”

“This dump?” He laughed.

“Yes.” I broke out laughing. “Its not all bad Mikey.”

“Oh Mikey is it now?”

“What else would I call you?” I giggled, taking another drink.

“I’m glad you're here. You're already a breath of fresh air and to be honest, having a bird among all these bloke musicians just shows that, this place can be delicate."

We smiled at each other and looked away when we heard a fight break out on the other side of the room. He sighed and shook his head.

“Every night?” I asked.

“Pretty much. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“For sure. G’night Mike.”

“Night Sadie.” He kissed my cheek and ran off to the other side of the room. I giggled watching him yell and get in the middle of the two drunken idiots fighting. I guess no matter where you are, there will always be idiots around.

..

When I got home, I was relieved to find Paul still gone. I made my way upstairs to put my guitar away and back down to make myself something to eat since my stomach was making loud hunger noises.

"Calm down you two." I giggled, grabbing a package of sausage from the fridge.

I was calmly cooking when I heard banging on the door. I jumped and slowly approached, jumping when there was more banging. I was scared to open up. My heart racing when it comtinued. Where the hell was Martha?? I quickly ran to the phone to call the authorities.

"Yes please this is Sadie Montgomery, there's a stranger at the door...."

"What's the address?"

I was about to speak when the door burst open. A tall man walked in and saw me from around the corner. As soon as we made eye contact, he lunged for me as I ran out of the room, barely making it to the stairs until he tackled me down. I landed on my back and breathed shakily as he pinned me down.

"P..please...don't hurt me. I'm pregnant.."

He smirked, watching me cry. I swallowed the lump in my throat and squeeked when he pushed me against the wall and squished his knee against my stomach. I groaned and pushed him away with all I had. Falling to my knees. He took what he could and ran out the door with everything he could carry. I could hear my heart beating loudly as I fell back. My vision fading. The sound of sirens in the distance giving me hope.

.............